Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chrysler 300c. The contact indicated that the gear shifter became stuck in the park position, rendering the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission shifter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
2007 Chrysler 300 powertrain problems
moderate 225 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
225
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 225 powertrain complaints filed for the 2007 Chrysler 300, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 36% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 225 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2007 Chrysler 300 has a notorious plastic shifter interlock that breaks, trapping the car in Park and leaving owners with a $300–$450 repair bill despite a narrow recall that covers few vehicles. Beyond the shifter, owners report transmission delays, power loss, speed sensor failures, and electrical gremlins that dealers struggle to diagnose and fix.
The 2007 Chrysler 300's powertrain complaints cluster around a known weak point: the plastic interlock spring in the gear shifter. Owners consistently report the transmission becomes stuck in Park, sometimes requiring manual workarounds (screwdriver, console disassembly, pulling internal cables) to move the vehicle. Chrysler issued a K39 Customer Satisfaction Notification for this defect, but the recall is VIN-specific and excludes many cars with the identical problem—owners built just days before or after the recall window are told the part isn't covered, despite the same failure. Repair costs run $300–$450 at dealerships, though owners find the actual plastic piece costs under $1.
Beyond the shifter, owners describe transmission behavior: delayed engagement (7–8 second hesitations before Reverse engages), harsh clunking during shifts, and loss of power while driving highway speeds without warning. Some experience jerking or surging that throws passengers. One owner's transmission failed completely at 28,000 miles.
Speed sensor failures trigger cascading ABS, Traction Control, and ESP light warnings. One owner dealt with six years of erratic locking/unlocking and hesitation before calling Chrysler, only to be told there were no recalls.
An outlier complaint involves HEMI engine overheating and valve seat failure; another reports water pouring into the trunk. Electrical gremlins appear as well—battery drain, dashboard flickering, transmission jerking—sometimes with no readable fault codes.
Warranty coverage is a consistent frustration: Chrysler's lifetime powertrain warranty is narrowly interpreted to exclude the shifter and speed sensors. Dealers often claim mechanical linkage is not covered, forcing owners to pay out-of-pocket for repairs to parts they believed were covered.
Same Chrysler 300 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Gear shifter stuck in Park (plastic interlock spring failure)
Transmission gear shift lever becomes mechanically stuck in Park position and will not move into Drive, Reverse, or Neutral. Root cause is a small plastic interlock spring hook in the shifter assembly that breaks or fails, preventing normal gear engagement. Some owners report a small pink plastic piece or component is the culprit. When stuck, owners typically must manually access the shifter assembly (often requiring removal of console trim and covers) and pull or push internal cables/levers to force the transmission out of Park—a risky workaround that is not a reasonable fix for typical drivers.
When: Occurs unpredictably; some owners report it starting at 40,000–86,000 miles; one report at 28,000 miles; happens after vehicle has been parked for periods ranging from hours to overnight; one owner experienced it twice in two vehicles; one report of failure at 61,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shift lever will not move out of Park position; Shifter locked or stuck; no mechanical movement; Override/emergency release button does not function or is ineffective; Requires manual intervention (screwdriver, finger pushing cables, or console disassembly) to force shift out of Park; Problem recurs; some owners experience it multiple times; Owner forced to leave vehicle in Neutral with parking brake engaged instead of Park as designed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships typically charge $300–$450 to replace entire shifter housing/assembly rather than the single failed plastic part (estimated at 29 cents to $14 retail). One owner found a replacement aluminum part at auto parts store for under $100 and installed it in one hour, saving ~$360. PCV vacuum hose disconnection also reported in one case requiring reconnection. One owner paid $135–$185 but disputed warranty coverage. Repair time at dealership quoted at approximately 1 hour, but some dealers kept vehicles for extended periods.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler issued K39 Customer Satisfaction Notification for 'Transmission Gear Shift Lever Interlock Return Spring Hook' on some 2005–2007 Dodge Charger, Magnum, and Chrysler 300 models with floor shifter. However, recall is VIN-specific with narrow date range (June 25–September 21, 2007 for one recall campaign); many owners with same problem outside date range told VIN does not qualify. NHTSA Campaign 06V341000 exists but many affected vehicles not included. Owners consistently report Chrysler and dealers claim warranty does not cover shifter/mechanical linkage components, despite vehicles having lifetime powertrain warranties. Some owners told this is 'not covered under warranty,' 'not a recall matter,' or 'coincidental defect.' One owner paid $50 co-pay after disputes. Chrysler denied reimbursement to owners who paid out-of-pocket repairs.
Transmission delayed/jerky shift engagement and power loss
Vehicle exhibits noticeable delays or hesitation when shifting between gears (Park to Reverse, Reverse to Drive, Neutral to Drive), with some delays lasting 7–8 seconds during which throttle inputs are not responded to. In some cases accompanied by harsh lurching, jerking, or surging. Engine revs abnormally during some shift events. At highway speeds (40–70 MPH), vehicle may lose power unexpectedly, slow dramatically, or fail to accelerate after pedal depression, then suddenly resume normal operation.
When: Occurs throughout vehicle life; one owner reports starting at 70,000 miles on used vehicle purchased with 67,000 miles; another at 28,000 miles (transmission failure); one at 41,000 miles (defective transmission plug); one vehicle failed on highway in traffic at 65 MPH; one at 174,862 miles with PCV hose issue; another with fuel saver mode shudder starting around 70,000 kilometers.
Symptoms owners cite: 7–8 second delay when shifting from Reverse to Drive; throttle unresponsive during delay; Harsh clunking noise when shifting from Park to Reverse or Drive to Park; Vehicle lurches or surges forward without warning at highway speeds (40–70 MPH); Head-jolt level acceleration surge after transmission catch; sudden lunge to left or right; Transmission slip into neutral momentarily during shift; Loss of engine power at highway speed; vehicle slows without driver input; Engine revs abnormally; vehicle moves forward independently; Shudder in transmission at 45–52 km/h in fuel saver mode; Intermittent power loss; dashboard lights flicker on and off; ABS and traction control lights cycle on/off; Vehicle feels like it will not perform; momentary loss of power then return
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light illuminated, Electronic Throttle Control warning light, ABS warning light, Traction Control (TCS) light, Fault codes indicate failure to communicate between shift module and transmission
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced torque converter (one case); replaced PCV vacuum hose (though hose was disconnected and had 2-inch split, dealer reportedly did not properly seat it first time); shift module replaced three times in one case without resolving intermittent delay issue; dealer kept vehicles for extended periods. One transmission 'fell apart' at 28,000 miles, covered under initial and extended warranty. Another transmission defective plug at 41,000 miles. PCV hose reconnection by owner's mechanic resolved one case. Dealers unable to reproduce intermittent faults in controlled conditions.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 06V341000 (Power Train: Automatic Transmission) exists but many affected VINs are not included in recall. Owners told dealers 'cannot fix intermittent issues' and advised to return if problem worsens. One owner with extended warranty told nothing can be done. Dealer attributed delay to 'power of the engine' and electronic transmission design—described as normal. No recall reimbursement or free repair offered to out-of-warranty owners. Manufacturer notified via certified mail in one case; no response documented.
Right rear speed sensor failure (ABS/TCS/ESP system malfunction)
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) lights illuminate and cycle on/off repeatedly. Root cause identified in one case as right rear speed sensor failure. In another case, car locks and unlocks by itself repeatedly, and wheels appear to lock up during driving at normal speeds.
When: One case at 100,000 miles (purchased with 86,000 miles); another with no mileage specified; lights may cycle repeatedly during normal driving.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light illuminates and remains on or cycles on/off repeatedly; Traction Control (TCS) light illuminates and cycles; Electronic Stability Program (ESP) light illuminates and cycles; Car locks and unlocks by itself repeatedly (from exterior) with keys in ignition and vehicle running; Vehicle hesitates to accelerate when pulling onto roadway as if unwilling to go; Wheels appear to lock up during driving; feels like vehicle will lock up; Vehicle acting erratically; unpredictable behavior
Repairs/costs cited: Right rear speed sensor replacement completed at dealership for $135 (disputed warranty coverage); owner paid $50 co-pay after dispute, though part listed on warranty document as covered. No cost repair details provided for other cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Lifetime powertrain warranty claimed to cover right rear speed sensor by owner, but dealer and Chrysler disputed coverage, claiming warranty covers only engine, transmission, and driveline. Chrysler required $50 co-pay; owner disputed and filed complaint. Chrysler closed case after owner drove vehicle home without resolving cost dispute. No recall or TSB mentioned. One vehicle with 6+ years of unresolved ABS/TCS light cycling issues; owner stated Chrysler indicated 'no recalls on this vehicle.'
Unresponsive throttle and transmission power loss (Electronic Throttle Control failure)
While driving, accelerator pedal depressed but vehicle fails to accelerate as intended. Vehicle coasts to roadside or loses power mid-traffic. Check Engine and Electronic Throttle Control warning lights illuminate. Engine may rev abnormally. Vehicle may accelerate independently without driver input. Brake pedal must be pressed to floorboard with force to stop vehicle. Issue persists even after repair attempt.
When: One case at 174,862 miles; failure described as 'progressively worsening'; vehicle no longer being driven at time of report.
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal depressed but vehicle does not accelerate; Vehicle fails to accelerate as intended while driving at 70 MPH; Vehicle coasts to side of road due to loss of power; Check Engine warning light illuminated; Electronic Throttle Control warning light illuminated; Engine revs abnormally; Vehicle starts to move forward independently; Brake pedal requires force to depress to floorboard; Failure persists after initial repair
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light, Electronic Throttle Control warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed and claimed PCV vacuum hose had failed and was replaced. However, owner's brother discovered hose was not properly connected to upper intake manifold and had 2-inch split. Brother reconnected hose. Dealer was supposed to have replaced hose but apparently did not do so correctly. Failure progressively worsened; vehicle no longer being driven.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified via certified mail. No response or resolution documented.
Multiple electrical/powertrain system failures with cascading effects (ABS, ESP, transmission, brake assist)
Vehicle exhibits complex, unpredictable electrical and powertrain faults affecting ABS, ESP, transmission, brake assist, and power delivery. Battery drains voltage while driving; vehicle alternates blowing hot/cold air uncontrollably; dashboard lights flicker on and off; RPM and speedometer drop to zero; transmission jerks; Service Park Assist warning flashes repeatedly; vehicle dies on highway and refuses to start even with jump start. Multiple component replacements (battery twice in 2 weeks, alternator) have not resolved issues. No diagnostic codes appear despite warning lights.
When: Occurs randomly and unpredictably; one vehicle died on highway.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery loses voltage while driving; Uncontrolled heating or cooling system operation (blows hot or cold air without being turned on); Dashboard lights flicker on and off; RPM and speedometer drop to zero; Transmission starts jerking; Service Park Assist warning flashes on and off repeatedly very fast; Vehicle dies while driving on highway; Vehicle refuses to start even with jump start; ABS light on; ESP BAS (Electronic Stability Program Brake Assist) light on; Brake light comes on without brake being pressed; Vehicle acts like it 'has a mind of its own'; Multiple system failures appear to be related but cause is unclear
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced twice in 2 weeks; alternator replaced; problem persists. No diagnostic codes appear despite warning lights. Root cause not identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in complaint.
HEMI engine valve seat/piston failure (catastrophic overheating)
Engine overheats unexpectedly, leading to melting of internal components. Valve seats and pistons ruined. Vehicle becomes undriveable. Engine made 'coins shaking in can' noise. Owner reports awareness of pattern in Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler HEMI 5.7L engines but no definitive cause identified. Extended warranties deny coverage claiming valve seats are not internally lubricated parts.
When: No mileage or timeline specified; owner purchased vehicle and overheating occurred without warning.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheats without warning signs; Valve seats damaged/melted; Pistons damaged/ruined; Engine makes 'coins shaking in can' noise; Vehicle will not start
Repairs/costs cited: Service center diagnosed melted valve seats and ruined pistons. No repair cost specified; vehicle likely total loss. Extended warranty denial cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranties deny coverage claiming valve seats are 'not internally lubricated parts' or similar exclusion. No manufacturer acknowledgment of known defect pattern.
Trunk water ingress and electrical damage
Large amounts of water enter trunk during heavy rain. Owner had to vacuum out at least one gallon of water. Electrical system sustained water damage and required dealer repair. Water intrusion failure occurred again after initial repair.
When: First failure at approximately 40,000 miles; recurred at 84,032 miles current mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Large amounts of water in trunk during heavy rain; Electrical system damaged by water intrusion; Problem recurs after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Authorized dealer repaired electrical system damaged by water. Cost not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle not included in NHTSA Campaign 06V341000 (Power Train: Automatic Transmission). No recall or warranty coverage for water intrusion issue.
Synthesized from 225 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that her vehicle was stuck in park and she is unable to shift from park. Also, the override system would not operate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages was 60,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that when the vehicle was in the park position, the gear shift failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the gear shift coil spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chrysler 300. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was unable to be drive the vehicle and it was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic advised her that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The transmission was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no…
My spouse drove the vehicle to work in the morning, drove the vehicle at lunch and upon leaving her work for the day, attempted to drive home. The vehicle would start, however the gear selector would not move from the park position. Even using the override on the right side of the console would allow the vehicle to move form the park position. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2007 Chrysler 300?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2007 Chrysler 300?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 225 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 197 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 54,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 72,065. A quarter of owners report trouble before 54,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Chrysler/300.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.